Council starts search for new general manager

Federation Council and General Manager Chris Gillard agreed last week to “part ways for the best interest of all parties involved”.

After an extraordinary meeting of Federation Council called by Mayor Pat Bourke on November 1, it was evident the working relationship between Mr Gillard and council was unlikely to continue and negotiations began to determine the future of his contract which ran until December 2020. After initially remaining quiet on the progress of those negotiations, Federation Council confirmed in a statement released last week that the General Manager was set to depart. The statement did not reveal terms of the agreed departure, including any possible payout to Mr Gillard. Federation Council was set to host another extraordinary meeting on Tuesday (November 14) to discuss the recruitment of a new general manager. In confirming the departure of Mr Gillard, Federation Council Mayor Pat Bourke said negotiations had concluded and the parties had entered into a “confidential arrangement parting ways”. “Federation Council is changing direction and believes a change in management in the position of General Manager is appropriate,” Mayor Bourke said. “As councillors, it is our role to provide leadership and establish policy and the strategic direction for the organisation and the future of the council area. “Council wishes to thank Mr Gillard for his service to council and its communities.” Mr Gillard released a statement saying it had been “a great privilege to lead the new council”. “I would like to take this opportunity to highlight the very hard work Federation Council staff undertake for the community,” Mr Gillard said. “Over the past 18 months the work has been very challenging and each staff member has contributed to building a quality organisation. “I would like to thank the staff and wish everyone well for the future.” Federation Council confirmed Peter Gall will be Federation Council Acting General Manager until future notice.